Marilyn J. Gustafson, age 88, of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Bethany Home in Minden, after a long illness from a previous surgery. There will be no services at her request. Memorials in Marilyn’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Marilyn Janice Gustafson was born March 24, 1938, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Clarence L. and Marion J. (Trandahl) Minear. She moved with her family to Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from Central High School. She worked at the Stockyards for Steel, Simon & Co. There she met her husband Harry Gustafson and married in 1973. They moved to LaVista, Nebraska where she worked as a social service worker for the State of Nebraska. Through the years she and Harry lived in Gering, Ogallala, Grand Island and Lexington, Nebraska where she accumulated and kept in touch with many dear friends. After retirement they moved to South Sioux City, Nebraska and later to Kearney, Nebraska.

She was an excellent seamstress, liked doing crafts, puzzles and going to garage sales. She was a beloved dog mom.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Harry Gustafson; daughter and son-in-law, Tamy and Robert Peterson; grandchildren, Mindy (Clay) Wiese and Ben Baker of Omaha, Nebraska, Shawn Hammel of Papillion, Nebraska, R.J. Peterson “Arge” and Abigail Peterson of Kearney, Nebraska; and brother, James (Virginia) Minear of Omaha, Nebraska; plus many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Trudy (Dan) Hammel; sisters, Theo (Dick) Kelly, and LaVonne (Mel) Anderson.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.